Why Social Security Workers Can’t Read This: Unveiling Secrets You Need to Know!

On March 6, 2025, employees at the Social Security Administration (SSA) received an email announcing new restrictions on internet browsing from government equipment. The changes prohibit access to general news websites, online shopping sites, and sports pages.

The email came from an internal communications list and didn’t specify which websites would be blocked. However, sources inside the SSA confirmed that popular sites like Wired.com, The Washington Post, and The New York Times are now inaccessible. In contrast, sites like Politico and Axios remain available.

One anonymous source expressed concern, stating, “Local news is blocked. If there’s a local incident, I wouldn’t know about it.” Interestingly, the block list appears to include a mix of news outlets and is not limited to any particular political viewpoint, as even conservative sites like Fox News and Breitbart are also restricted.

Just weeks prior, the SSA began implementing changes related to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In that period, the agency also announced plans to cut around 7,000 jobs, prompting several senior staff members to resign, including former commissioner Michelle King. Leland Dudek, a mid-level staffer, stepped in as acting commissioner amid these changes.

After the announcement about blocked news sites, some SSA employees received additional guidance on how to remove news from the Edge browser’s homepage. This was voluntary, suggesting a desire to limit distractions from work.

When attempting to visit blocked sites like Wired.com, users encountered a message similar to the initial announcement. It mentioned a “URL Reputation” score, though it was unclear how this score was determined or its impact on website access.

The SSA uses Microsoft Edge as its main browser, which defaults to displaying news headlines on the landing page. The email stated that employees with a valid business need could request exceptions through their supervisor.

In discussions on Reddit, some SSA employees noted that staying updated with current events is crucial for their roles. Others mentioned the necessity of online shopping for their work. Meanwhile, agencies contacted by WIRED indicated they hadn’t implemented similar browsing restrictions.

The SSA has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding these new browsing rules.

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